Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: As Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, Odisha has ramped up its disaster preparedness across vulnerable districts.

The cyclonic storm, currently moving north-northwest at 18 kmph, is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28. It is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada during the evening or night of October 28, with wind speeds reaching 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has already begun in parts of Odisha. Rayagada’s Gunupur block recorded the highest rainfall at 33.0 mm, followed by Koraput (5.2 mm), Malkangiri (2.6 mm), Gajapati (2.3 mm), and Keonjhar (2.3 mm).

Also read: Cyclone Montha Forms, Likely to Intensify by October 28

To tackle any emergency, the Odisha government has deployed 123 fire service teams in the Berhampur RDC circle and 144 teams in the Cuttack RDC circle. Additionally, 30 Odisha Disaster Rapid Force (ODRF) units were deployed yesterday, with 20 more teams mobilized today.

All rescue teams have been equipped with high-grade tools including power boats, rubber boats, JCBs, tree-cutting machines, power chainsaws, telescopic lights, and landslide response gear. Coordination between police and administration is being maintained to ensure safety in hilly and low-lying areas.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during the cyclone and avoid unnecessary travel. Senior officials are present on-site to monitor the situation and guide operations.

With Cyclone Montha nearing landfall, Odisha’s proactive measures aim to minimize damage and protect lives.